iPhone 6 to go into production in May, report says

Apple reportedly will begin producing at least one version of its next iPhone in May, with the new smartphone's retail release following in the fall.

Apple reportedly will begin producing at least one version of its next iPhone in May, with the new smartphone's retail release following in the fall. (Brent Lewin / Bloomberg)

Salvador Rodriguez

Apple reportedly will begin producing its next iPhone sometime in May, but one version of the device may face delays.

For months, the Cupertino, Calif., tech giant has been rumored to be developing 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch versions of its next smartphone, commonly referred to as the iPhone 6. The last two generations of the iPhone have featured 4-inch screens.

The 4.7-inch version is expected to go into production next month, according to a report Tuesday by Reuters, which cites unnamed sources. However, production of the 5.5-inch version of the gadget may be delayed, according to the report.

The tech giant is reportedly having difficulties integrating a screen technology into the larger version of the device, and that is causing the delay. Reuters said production for the 5.5-inch version will start several months from now.

Apple has dealt with production delays in the past, but the company usually manages to deliver its gadgets on time. However, there have been situations in which production delays caused Apple to have inventory shortages. That was the case last year for both the gold version of the iPhone 5s and the iPad mini with Retina display.

The iPhone 6 is expected to be released sometime this fall. Apple declined to comment.